It’s already been 5 years since I made this appointment with you to take stock of what entered into my wardrobe over the past year.
It all started back in 2020, when I became ethically and ecologically aware, following my many years of over-consumption as a fashion blogger. Since then, every year, I’ve got into the habit of noting down every clothing purchase (or gift) and listing it on this blog post. This allows me to see whether these acquisitions have been useful, qualitative or not.
It’s already been 5 years since I made this appointment with you to take stock of what’s gone into my wardrobe over the past year.
13 NEW ADDITIONS IN 2024 : 8 PURCHASES, 4 GIFTS AND 1 SURPRISE FIND
Compared with previous year (2023 : 13 acquisitions including 8 purchases, 2022 : 9 acquisitions including 5 purchases, 2021 : 13 acquisitions including 7 purchases, 2020 : 8 acquisitions including 3 purchases), I think I remain constant in my consumption.
This year, nothing was “necessary”, as I already have enough clothes in my wardrobe. That said, even if I don’t follow trends that much, my eye is still influenced by current (wider) cuts and the desire to be even more comfortable in my clothes is growing with age (never say never, but I’m thinking of saying goodbye to slim/skinny jeans for good). There have also been a few “passion/impulse” purchases, which explains this moderately pragmatic fashion balance sheet.
Let’s take a closer look at these 2024 novelties, starting with my purchases and ending with the gifts I received.
THE BASTILLE VARSITY JACKET
« BAD BLOOD » Varsity jacket BASTILLE
Date of purchase : January 2024 (well… more exactly in December 2023, but received in January 2024)
Why I bought it : The “fan attitude” for one of my favorite bands BASTILLE. When the visual was published online, I had a big crush on this jacket (=the name of Bastille’s first album embroidered on the back, the band’s name embroidered on the chest, the triangular logo embroidered on the sleeve, the color: I explain everything here) and I immediately loved it
My daily use : I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the rendering when I received the item compared with the initial visual, but the quality is still decent. The jacket is lined, carefully embroidered and holds together quite well.
I don’t wear this jacket much because of the Parisian weather, which is sometimes too cold/rainy in winter and too hot in summer, but I was delighted to wear it to Dan Smith’s autumn concert from Bastille at La Cigale. It materializes my love for the band with a clever reference to a jacket worn in the video for the song “Flaws”. The quintessential “fan” purchase. I love it. (Let’s just pray I stay a fan of the band for a long time to come!)
LEVIS VINTAGE JEANS
LEVIS 501 VINTAGE jeans NUMÉRO DEUX
Date of purchase : May 2024 at Numéro deux
Why I bought them : The desire to renew my light-colored jeans, which are a little too tight in terms of fit (although I hear the more fitted trend is making a comeback).
My daily use : Like the jeans I bought at Numéro Deux last year, I wear these quite often. The cut is a little looser and boyfriend-ish than the previous two, giving it an even more relaxed style.
COMME DES GARÇONS PANTS
Wide pants COMME DES GARÇONS
Date of purchase: September 2023
Why I bought them: An unexpected visit to DOVER STREET MARKET PARIS, a store I’d already visited in Tokyo, New York and London. It’s not the place for bargains, but I’ve always loved going there to get a feel for what’s going on in the designer world. These half-skirt, half-wide-leg pants intrigued me with their cut. I tried them on for fun. The rest is history.
My daily use : Even though it wasn’t at all a planned purchase, I’m delighted to have invested in a garment in which I feel totally me. It’s a strong yet versatile piece, and that’s what makes it so charming. It’s best worn in mid-season, as the fabric is too thick in midsummer and there are too many drafts in freezing weather (try it with tights underneath, perhaps).
TROMPE-L’OEIL JEANS « MIRAMAR » RAG & BONE
Jeans MIRAMAR TERRY WIDE LEG RAG&BONE
Date of purchase : July 2024
Why I bought them : Once again, an unexpected purchase. I spotted it on Wendyslookbook‘s Instagram account and was seduced by this idea of jeans that are actually fleece jogging pants. The comfort, the originality of the garment and the slightly wide cut convinced me.
My daily use : This pair of jeans from the Miramar range is an amazing feat of magic in its own right, and when I wear them, my friends and family are astonished and amused. The elasticated waistband (like a pair of pyjamas) makes you want to give up all clothing constraints (you want to wear nothing but these for the rest of your life), but they still look as “cool” as a pair of classic jeans. The trompe-l’œil aspect is quite stunning (=the fake printed buttons, the fake pockets/braguette) and the maintenance easy. Even if this purchase wasn’t essential, I don’t regret it at all, given how often I wear these fake jeans.
THE ASPHALTE WHITE SHIRT
Teeshirt ASPHALTE
Date of purchase: August 2024
Why I bought it : I already have two white T-shirts in my wardrobe (one from Sézane and one from Les Sublimes) but I wanted to invest in a slightly stiffer cut.
My daily use : Having bought it at the end of summer, I haven’t worn it much yet, but I like its cut and thickness, which means I can wear it without a bra underneath: Total freedom! (…when I tell you I’m looking for comfort at all costs haha)
THE BASTILLE TOTEBAG
Tote bag « AMPERSAND » BASTILLE
Date of purchase : November 2024
Why I bought it : The desire to have a small, useful and inexpensive concert souvenir.
My daily use : Even though there’s no shortage of tote bags in my closet (especially as this is almost all I use on a daily basis), I’m glad to have one in the colors of Bastille and the sublime AMPERSAND album. I’d have preferred it to be thicker, but then again, you can’t ask too much of the quality of products sold at concerts (although I’d absolutely love it if this kind of product were better thought out in terms of both design and quality/durability).
TOY STORY BANDANA
Bandana TOY STORY DISNEYLAND PARIS
Date of purchase : October 2024
Why I bought it : On a trip to Disneyland Paris, I stumbled across it in one of the park’s boutiques. I found the print both sober and original, which speaks to the Toy Story fan in me.
My daily use : I bought it mainly in anticipation of my future visits to the park, to complete my Woody/Jessie outfit (you know that dressing in a Disney theme when I go to Disneyland makes me enjoy my days there even more), but this bandana is also useful for everyday life.
THE RED CASHMERE SWEATER LES SUBLIMES
Cashmere sweater LIV LES SUBLIMES
Date of purchase : December 2024
Why I bought it : In the summer of 2024, I had gone out to buy a linen suit I’d spotted with the brand, but once I’d received it, the cut wasn’t nice on me. So I sent it back, and instead of refunding it, I wanted to keep a voucher that I could use later on the site, just to support this French brand. I later fell for this red cashmere sweater (cashmere sweaters are what I wear most in winter, and having one in red completed my collection).
My daily use : I don’t yet have enough experience to tell you about the quality of the product, but so far, after one wash, it’s holding up well. It pilled slightly at first, but this seems to fade over time and with each wash. Its color allows me to brighten up my winter outfits.
THE NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS
Sneakers 990 NEW BALANCE
Date of purchase : January 2024 pour mon anniversaire
My daily use : I had repaired a pair of gray New Balance sneakers last year, but my boyfriend thought it would be a good idea to buy me another pair, new and with a different design this time. I wear them very regularly, alternating with my old pair, and am pleased with their comfort and versatility (they go with almost everything) but am disappointed by the quality of the inner lining, which is already starting to wear out on the back of the heel (as with the leather Converse last year). I’ll probably have them consolidated at a cobbler’s.
ROTOTO SOCKS
Socks ROTOTO
Date of gift : February 2024 by my friend Sylvain
My daily use : These socks from a Japanese brand are ideal for indoor use because they’re so thick. So I don’t wear them outside, but when I’m hanging around the house, they’re perfect.
THE VINTAGE STRIPE SHIRT
vintage mens shirt CAMISSETTA
Gift date : May 2024 by Chloé from Numéro Deux
My daily use : An unexpected but useful gift, as I wore this shirt a lot in summer and autumn. It’s a vintage mens shirt with an oversized straight cut, so it’s perfect to wear with my vintage Levis 501 jeans.
THE VINTAGE FIND : THE 80/90s GALERIES LAFAYETTE COAT
KORN PARIS FOR GALERIES LAFAYETTE Coat
Date of this find : Autumn 2024
My daily use : Sorting through a family wardrobe led me to discover this coat, which obviously dates back to the 80s/90s (I’ve already talked about it here). In 100% virgin Scottish wool and small brown chevrons, it matches my entire wardrobe and has great sentimental value.
TO SUM UP
As I said in the introduction, there’s not much in the way of essentials in my 2024 acquisitions, but more in the way of “sentimental” purchases. The majority of purchases were driven by the desire to wear a piece of what I love (musically or cinematically). In spite of everything, I’m satisfied with this balance sheet, since I know I’ll be using everything that entered my dressing room in 2024. However, disappointed by the quality of certain products (New Balance, concert merchandise…), I’m still keeping an eye on the origins and materials used to the maximum.
For 2025, I don’t have much in the way of a quest, except perhaps the acquisition of well-cut wide-legged pants in noble materials, if I happen to come across any. But what about you? What did you fall for this year? Are you satisfied with your results?